Aunt Sissy's Lasagna

This was the first night that the kitchen was "put together" enough to make a nice meal following the big move. My sister thought she would treat everyone to her famous lasagna in the new kitchen. We would arrive with the 5 of us at home in our family, the teenage boys would soon be home from football practices, and my oldest son from work. Anticipating the arrival of the human vacuum cleaners, she doubled the recipe. Prepared with 2 loaves of garlic cheese bread and a huge salad, there it sat awaiting it's imminent demise.

One at a time, the kids called...staying after football practice to eat at Jack in the Box with friends, had plans for dinner somewhere else, another decided to stay the night with a friend, and so forth. A wonderful meal, good company, and 3 large tupperware containers full of leftovers later... We have finally arrived back at the house.

Here is the recipe. Don't double it unless everyone has sent their R.S.V.P...

      ·      1 lb ground beef

·       4-5 Italian sausages

·       ¾ cup chopped onion

·       2 tablespoons salad or olive oil

·       1 can (1lb tomatoes)

·       2 cans (6 oz each) tomato paste

·       2 cups water

·       1 tablespoon chopped parsley

·       2 teaspoons salt

·       1 teaspoon sugar

·       1 teaspoon garlic powder

·       ½ teaspoon pepper

·       ½ teaspoon oregano leaves

·       ½ package (8 oz) lasagna noodles

·       16 ozs. Shredded mozzarella cheese

·       1 lb ricotta cheese

·       1 cup grated parmesan cheese

In a large pan, lightly brown beef and onion in oil. Add tomatoes, paste, water, parsley, salt, sugar, garlic powder, pepper, and oregano. Simmer uncovered; stirring occasionally, about 30 mins.

While sauce is simmering, cook sausage and cut into ½ inch pieces. Set aside.

Cook lasagna noodles as directed; drain.

In a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan, spread about 1 cup sauce. Then alternate layers of lasagna, sauce (with sausage pieces put on top also), ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, ending with sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 mins until lightly browned and bubbling. Allow to stand for 15 mins; then cut in squares to serve.